SAG-AFTRA today called a strike against advertising agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty, LLC (BBH) after the union's National Board unanimously voted to issue a strike authorization. Members have been instructed to not accept any work for BBH, which is illegally attempting to abandon its union contract with SAG-AFTRA.

BBH, a global agency with U.S. offices in New York and Los Angeles, has been signed to SAG-AFTRA's Commercials Contracts since 1999. On Sept. 5, BBH publicly announced they would withdraw from their contractual obligations.

"The integrity of good business is based upon parties adhering to their mutual contracts. BBH's decision to abandon their commitment and responsibilities to our collective bargaining agreement by shooting non-union is not only unethical, it undermines a working actor's right to fair wages, health care and on-set safety. These actions are unacceptable, and we will take a stand. Strength in unity," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris.

BBH is owned by Publicis Groupe, a multinational communications and marketing company that owns several ad agencies. Some of those agencies are signed to the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts, including Saatchi & Saatchi and Leo Burnett. The strike is called against BBH only, therefore members can work for other signatory Publicis Groupe ad agencies - or any other agency signed to the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts - during the strike.

"There is nothing more sacred to our members than our collective bargaining agreements. They ensure fair pay and protections that enable performers to make a living wage and care for their families. BBH is now attempting to walk out on our agreement and ignore their obligations. This strike will deny BBH access to our talented actors who perform in commercials. We ask that members stand together and refuse all work for this company," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White.

About SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at sagaftra.org.